Functionalized fullerenes, their method of manufacture and uses thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel method for functionalizing the surfaces (and interior) of nanotube like materials using a plasma source. These plasma-functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are useful for preparing a variety of different composite fibers having improved characteristics, such as conductivity and mechanical strength. The key innovation being pursued is the development of plasma-based methods for plasma-functionalizing the surfaces of CNTs with reactive chemical groups that covalently bind to polymers and prepolymers.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 ) A functionalized nanostructure produced by the process of 
 a) providing a non-functionalized nanostrucutre;    b) applying a plasma of a known plasma gas and of known voltage to a surface of the non-functionalized nanostructure; and    c) applying a functional group to the plasma treated surface of the non-functionalized nanostructure to create a functionalized surface on the nanostructure,    where the functionalized nanostructures has improved electrical and mechanical properties compared to non-functionalized nanostructures.